My son has been given a registration start time. How does this work?

In some colleges, students are allocated a particular registration start time. This is when they can register for modules including electives. This system is designed for maximum fairness, convenience and efficiency. Awareness of a few key points during the registration process can be useful:

• Instructions and guidelines should be followed correctly. It will save hassle.
• Be sure to check if the registration has an expiry date
• Missing allocated registration times should be avoided if at all possible
• Early registration gives the student best chance of securing the right modules
• Sound knowledge of module & subject content is useful when registering.

Where can I find more information about registration and other key college dates and issues?

College websites provide comprehensive information on registration and enrolment. In addition, some colleges now run parents' information sections on their websites and parents' information forums during the academic year.

At what point in the registration process are fees paid?

Fees are paid at the point of enrolment or registration. Some colleges offer flexible late registration and fee options. In others, late payment of fees can result in a penalty charge. Incoming students are informed of the dates and deadlines. If they are away at registration time, they need to ensure internet access to complete registration.

What is a module? 

A large number of college courses are made of up modules in a range of subjects. A module is a self-contained section of learning work by subject for a given academic year. Colleges vary in how the module system operates but in NUI Maynooth for instance an entire year of undergraduate study is typically worth 60 credits (based on the ECTS - European Credit Transfer System). Different modules are given different credit weightings across compulsory, required and optional modules.

Different Colleges - Different Module Options

Course structure systems, subject and module streams vary amongst colleges. In NUIM Arts students have the opportunity to change or amend their subject choice up to six weeks following registration for 1st year. The option of general electives outside the core degree pathway is made available from 2nd year in Arts and 3rd Year in Science. UCD operates a system of compulsory modules, in-programme elective modules and general elective modules.

Selecting Course Modules

Some core elements of courses are compulsory but where there is an element of choice in registering for in-programme modules, a little strategic thinking can help with the selection process. Points to consider are:

• Relevance of module to final degree and career prospects
• Number of credits
• Modes of assessment - e.g. attendance, participation, assignment, presentation
• Professional exemptions - e.g. on successful completion of degree to a specified level, some business modules provide exemptions into Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI), Association of Chartered Accountants Ireland (ACCA) Irish Taxation Institute, Chartered Insurance Institute. Some degree programmes are approved by the Teachers' Registration Council for the purposes of registering as a secondary teacher
• Is the module workload manageable when set alongside concurrent module workloads?
• Career & Educational Progression - e.g. links into post-graduate programmes
• Employablity Skills - Does the module offer an opportunity to develop solid employability skills e.g. through placement, research, team or project work
• Level of genuine interest in subject 

Choosing General Elective modules

It's down to the individual student to choose what's right for them. Some may wish to choose a module out of personal interest and a desire to be informed, or simply to engage with a topic that offers a break from intensive course and study work. Others may see the module as a way to develop key Employability Skills outside the mainstream course.

Colleges offer help and guidelines to undergraduates on picking modules and subjects but here are a few points to bear in mind: Is the student eligible for this elective? Some modules (e.g. Maths) will require a certain level of competency. Is the time-table compatible? What modes of teaching are used? How does assessment work? How is the assessment load distributed across the semester? How intensive is the workload? 

I do not want to interfere in this process but I would also like to be supportive. What can I do? 

It's possible to be supportive without interfering. It may be that you can act as a sounding board, being available for the new undergraduate to tease out the pros and cons of each choice for themselves, by asking the right questions and helping to clarify their thoughts and options. It's tempting to offer advice but best to wait until asked if at all possible. 

What supports are there in college for my son or daughter as they settle into college after registration?

Colleges offer a variety of supports to incoming students as they make the transition into third level education. These include:

• Orientation programmes - including social events
• Study Skills Seminars
• Examination, Project & Assignment support
• Student Advisors
• Counselling Support & Pastoral Care
• Health care advice and support
• Clubs & Societies